charter schools

Charter commissioners discuss financial ‘malpractice’, low performance and closing schools in leaked audio

A recording from a closed-door meeting reveals critiques of several Idaho charter schools. Commission and charter school leaders released statements after hearing the audio.

Financial concerns continue for four charter schools

The Idaho Public Charter School Commission believes the schools may not remain financially sound, but officials say they can’t close the schools and there are only limited resources to protect taxpayers.

Idaho’s $40 million stake in charter school buildings

The state’s payments are designed to offset capital costs for charter schools, which receive no local tax dollars. Traditional schools can tap local property taxes for their building projects — if voters sign on.

Little signs charter school financing bill

While expressing some reservations, the governor said the state’s financial risk represents “at most a potential liability.”

National report blasts charters — including Idaho programs

The anti-charter school group accuses one Idaho school of using “dog-whistle tactics” to discourage diversity. The school’s administrator says the allegation is off-base. “Our goal is really just to reach as many students as we can.”

Little signs charter administrators’ bill

The governor signed off on a law to relax hiring requirements, but said he will be “closely watching its impacts.”

A charter financing bill sails through the Statehouse: What would it do?

Supporters say the bill would save charter schools millions of dollars in bond interest. But if a charter school fails to pay its debts, the Legislature would be asked to step in.

Statehouse roundup, 1.31.19: Study illustrates highs and lows in charter performance

Charter school students significantly outperformed students in traditional schools, especially in reading tests. But students in virtual charter schools lost considerable ground on math tests.

Bluum awarded $17.1 million to expand public charter schools

Idaho officials expect to increase the number of charter school seats in Idaho by 8,200.

In Indiana, virtual charters come under scrutiny

As in Idaho, Indiana’s virtual charter schools lag behind traditional schools.